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March 02, 2013

Appalachia Through My Eyes - Sisters In Appalahcia

Appalachian sisters walking down a dirt road in North Carolina.

Sweet sisters-still willing to hold onto each other like they're in kindergarten-even though they're nearly grown. Right in the middle of those tough teenage years when you're trying to figure out where you're going and what you're going to do with the rest of your life.

Answers no one their age could know-yet society tells them they must decide now or else all will be lost.

When they were toddlers someone would stop us to ask if they were twins-Chatter would say "yes and we're sisters too."

Tipper,
I finally made it out of my hollar, had over 2" of the white
stuff at Topton. I love it!
There is a place in Nantahala up
the Winding Stairs Rd. that looks
just like where Chitter and Chatter are walking away. You and
the Deer Hunter have provided lots
of love for them and someday you'll see them walking toward
you...Ken

Tipper,
and Karen...LOL...I just read the comments...I am past 70 and still think of things I want to do when I grow up, too...That is what keeps us ticking, keep trying to make goals...uhhh or is that a "bucket list"....LOL
Thanks Tipper,

It's more difficult, it seems, in this day and age to decide where your life is going. However, think about something you might enjoy and start out with that goal. When it doesn't feel like it is going to work, don't change too quickly, but finish it and then head for the new goal. To me, life is about goals and achievements. College isn't for everyone right away, sometimes you need to wait a year or so and then make some decisions. However, the sisters here already have a profession, and a good one at that, to continue working with and then head to a new goal, each their own.

When I was 17, one of my good friends was a man in his late 70s; he had been a farmer, his little finger was the size of my thumb from years of milking by hand before the time of the milking machine. He told me of the harness-makers making the 'tugs', the four-layer leather lines that went from the hames to the trace chains; he taught me the proper way to sharpen an axe and then showed me how to hang a new handle on the axe-head. He also taught me to play the fiddle.

So:

If I were to offer advice to teen-aged twin girls, I'd say "Cultivate the friendship of the elders, for their knowledge is precious and becoming scarce,and soon will pass into oblivion. Pay attention to their words lest their lifetime of knowledge be forgotten. Besides, they'll appreciate your company more than you will ever know."

Tipper,
I love the picture of the girls!
Sometimes I have wished for a sister. There have been many near sisters in my life...friends that were close...to talk to and share part of my life with. Some have now passed on, and some remain far from my home...
The girls are very blessed indeed to have each other as friends and sisters....and twins...LOL
Thanks Tipper, great post.
Do you have any snow..we had flurries this morning.

To young to decide, that is for sure. They are lovely and talented young ladies. The advice I gave my daughters: 1. Get as much education as you can. 2. Follow your heart. 3. Don't be afraid of change.

Nice picture. I wish I had answers for them regarding what to do with their lives. I am retiring in June, made a nice living changed paths once, but still wonder if I should have taken yet a different path. My life has been blessed, however.

The best advice I can give is to do whatever it is you do with focus, while leaving enough time to make sure that the spirit is being cared for also, and that family and friends have some priority. The material things don't count for much in the final analysis.

I love the picture and I love the thought. Yes, indeed, they are sisters, make no mistake about that.
They are much too young to be asked to make life decisions. That's like getting married at 16.....much to young.

Oh Tipper! Did you ever stir up memories for me with this morning's topic. Dirt roads through dense forests were all we ever walked on as we did our 'outings' and chores! Even today such walks are my preference instead of 'groomed' trails in the city!

Your questions regarding WHAT THE GIRLS WANT TO DO WITH THEIR LIVES is a bit over my head! I would just say the girls have to believe! BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES AND THINK AS THEY GO DOWN THESE WOODED TRAILS OF LIFE!

Regards, Eva Nell

p.s. We have chosen the publisher for "Fiddler of the Mountains" - now the waiting begins!

Life is tough sometimes.
And growing up is a battle.
Decisions to be made
Pull and stampede and rattle
At the corners of the brain
Come each day again and again
To beg for ready answer.
If life were easy there would be
No uncertainties, no changes
Necessary, no cross-roads to choose
But life is a way...and a way,
And sometimes we go one direction
And then when a bridge is out
Must turn around and choose again.

They have certainly grown into 2 Beautiful sisters and fine young Ladies. Society or no society they still have a lot of time to just be Sisters before they have to make any BIG decisions about their future.

You sure have an eye for what makes a good photo! Two daughters walking up a dirt road, in black and white, holding hands, and taken from behind! Now, if that don't grab your imagination! I think I've told you before but I envy you that (what must by now) a massive photo collection.

I have known several twins during my day and there is a closeness they have that is always unmatched.